I have a 2003 VW Jetta GLS that was purchased about 3 months ago. In the first 2 weeks the alternator was replaced twice.Everything had been fine since then until my car was hit on the driver’s side fender and part of my door.It wasn’t too bad, but enough to send it to the autobody shop. When they returned my car she looked great, but I did notice that the digital tripmeter was reset, and the time on the clock was wrong. Last time I saw something like that was when I was having the issue with the alternator. Being that it was July 4th weekend I needed to drive off the lot ASAP to beat traffic. That same night, the internal lights began to flicker inside the car (dashboard,radio,etc.) and I heard 3 beeps and the ABS light flickered. The remote key would not work to open the doors. However, the car didn’t shut off not once. Once I shut her off and back on, everything electrical functioned. The next day, not one symptom. I took her to the dealer and they checked all the ground, cleans the battery terminals and did not find anything. The mechanic did mention he did not check the ground wire behind the dashboard. I told him that I bet that’s the one!After a week of getting it checked, I experienced the flickering lights again last night. I don’t really know what to think at this point or do. The car is not under warranty, although I plan to buy an extended service contract.
My questions to you guys…
Do you think the issue came from the auto body place? I am assuming they had to remove the door to paint it? Perhaps they didn’t wire it back correctly?
Is it the dash cluster that’s going out?
Please advise. Thank you all for your help.